Boof Out, Comcast Sucks and Illini Preview

• As it looked more and more likely Boof Bonser will be out for the season with a torn labrum. This doesn't cause great issues considering his role was a middle reliever and I think Phil Humber can fill that role. It is disappointing for Boof because I think he has the stuff where he could have become a good set-up guy and some day might be a decent closer. I don't think we will ever see Boof in a Twins uniform again and that is too bad because he was a stand-up guy and had a great name.
• I hate Comcast. I don't know if all cable companies are as ruthless but Comcast is truly an evil empire. First, there was the whole dispute with the Big Ten Network. After enjoying watching every Big Ten game in a very competitive conference and watching the Gophers, I can't fathom not having the Big Ten Network. Now the package I have is suppossed to include the MLB Network. I was looking forward to watching the Twins Spring training game, World Baseball games and more regular season games. One problem, I don't get the channel. Every channel that is in the package comes in perfectly fine except the MLB Network which is currently a black screen. I hate Comcast.
• Finally here is my Illini game preview

Minnesota Golden Gophers (20-7, 8-7) at #20 Illinois Fighting Illini (22-6, 10-5)

I think it is safe to assume that Illinois is going to try and score 100 points given we held them to 36 points earlier this season. The interesting thing is that isn't even their lowest point total this season. They scored only 33 points at home against Penn State. I think Illinois will come out angry trying to avenge the embarrassing loss and keep their slim hopes of a Big Ten title alive. Here is the Illinois resume:

Wins to Showcase:

• at Missouri 75 - 59
• at Purdue 71 - 67

Losses to hide from:

• vs Penn State 33 - 38
• at Minnesota 36 - 59

Previous Result

• Minnesota 59, Illinois 36

The reason for the win over Illinois was simple. We won the game down low. We outrebounded them 40-26. RSIII got 10 points and 7 boards. Illinois two 7 footers, who average 21.9 ppg and 11.8 rebs, combined for only 4 points and 7 rebounds. That will be the key again if the Gophers are going to pull off the upset and win in Illinois. Illinois is not a jump shooting team and if you can get great interior defense Illinois has trouble scoring as evidenced in the previous result.

Prediction

The Twin Towers still struggle offensively but they are very good defensively. They block shots very well and are active down low. They won the Illinois game and also were crucial in the Louisville win. If they play well on defense and some guard (Joseph, Westbrook, Hoffarber) gets hot from the outside we could pull it off. The problem is this game is on the road and even though we are on the bubble a loss here does not hurt our chances at all. The biggest issue on the road has been lack of defensive intensity and poor shooting. I don't see that changing in a hostile environment against a very solid team.

Illinois 63, Minnesota 52